Residents have the opportunity to walk the Kokoda Trail in support of mental health initiative Let’s Talk

LET'S GO: St John of God Hospital mental health and community relations manager John Parkinson is encouraging people to tackle the Kokoda Trail. Picture: Rob Gunstone

We want as many people as possible to come along to the information night.

John Parkinson

SOUTH-West residents have the opportunity to walk the Kokoda Trail in support of mental health initiative Let’s Talk.

Let’s Talk was founded in memory of Sam Fitzgibbon who took his own life last year.

The foundation aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health, and urges people to speak out.

St John of God Hospital mental health and community relations manager John Parkinson and Let’s Talk spokesman John Parkinson said said the trail was one of the world’s greatest treks, taking enthusiastic, fit bushwalkers on a journey that would challenge and inspire them.

It is 96-kilometres long and takes trekkers through mountainous country with rainforests and jungles which are home to rare species of ferns, orchids and birds.

“We want as many people as possible to come along to the information night,” Mr Parkinson said.

The nine day trip costs $5,400, and is all inclusive.

The information evening is on Wednesday, May 17 and will be hosted by tour guide Mick O’Malley